Lawyers defending a 32-year-old man accused of wearing a red beret have implored court to dismiss the case, arguing that the prosecution has failed to adduce evidence pinning the suspect. 

Julius Buwembo, 32, a butcher aboding at Katabi village, Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso district, has been battling the charge of unauthorised wearing of uniforms since 2020. 

The charge contravenes Section 164 (1) (b) of the UPDF Act, 2005 and attracts a maximum sentence of 5-years-imprisonment, on conviction.

Appearing before the General Court Martial on Tuesday, the accused, through his lawyers led by Betty Karugaba, said several adjournments have been made with prosecutors promising to arraign witnesses but in vain. 

“This is a 2020 case. It is really expensive for the accused to keep hiring lawyers and travelling whenever the case is called, yet the prosecution has no evidence pinning him. We pray that the court dismisses the case because there is no evidence pinning the accused,” Karugaba submitted.

In response, state prosecutor Lt Alex Rasto Mukhana told the court that their Director of Prosecution, Maj. Raphael Mugisha, would have the final say regarding the case file. 

This prompted the General Court Martial chairman, Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, to adjourn the case to April 3, 2023.

“This is the last adjournment regarding this case, you either present witnesses or we shall make a decision on the matter,” said Gen. Mugabe.

The prosecution alleges that on or around November 2020 while at Katabi village, Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso district, without authority, Buwembo was found wearing a red beret, so nearly resembling one authorised for use by members of the defence forces as to be likely to deceive.